Readers' help sheet

Taking part in the service

Getting ready

  • You need to be ready to go before the previous item ends:

    • Old Testament readers : quietly get to your feet just as the Collect ends
    • New Testament readers: stand just as the Gloria for the Psalm ends.
    • Gospel readers: move to the lectern during the last verse of the Gradual Hymn.

  • The leader will tell the congregation to sit.

 

Approaching the Lectern

  • Walk up the aisle till you are level with the lectern
  • Briefly bow your head to acknowledge the cross, then go and stand at the lectern.

 

Old Testament

 

To introduce your reading say -

 

The first reading is taken from [OT book, eg Genesis], Chapter [number, eg 4], beginning at verse [first verse of reading].


You don't need to give any other verse numbers, such as where the reading ends.



At the end of your reading say -

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.


The congregation will respond
- Thanks be to God.


Between the Old and New Testament lessons the Psalm is said. This is announced and led by the Lay Minister.



New Testament

 

To introduce your reading say -

The second reading is taken from [NT book, eg Paul's Letter to the Corinthians], Chapter [number, eg 4], beginning at verse [first verse of reading].


You don't need to give any other verse numbers, such as where the reading ends.


At the end of your reading say -

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.


The congregation will respond
- Thanks be to God.



Gospel



To introduce your reading say -

The Holy Gospel according to [eg Luke], Chapter [number, eg 4], beginning at verse [first verse of reading].


Wait for the congregation to respond - Praise and glory to God - then begin to read.


At the end of your reading, hold the Bible up and say -

This is the gospel of Christ.


The congregation will respond - Praise to Christ the Word.


Leaving the lectern

  • Walk to the middle of the aisle, turn to the altar and briefly bow your head to acknowledge the cross.
  • Turn and return to your seat.

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